GREAT NORTH RUN – ALISON JANE

Last year, Alison Jane undertook the Great North Run for her partner, Craig Malcolm, who was in intensive care with an extremely rare cancer-related illness. This year she was running in his memory.

Alison Jane with parents Mary and Malcolm

We are very proud that Alison completed the Great North Run to help us raise funds once again. And this year her Mam, Mary, joined her by taking on her first Great North Run.

Alison’s positivity in the face of great sadness is an inspiration to us all.

In her own words, from Alison’s JustGiving site: “As many of you will know, my amazing partner Craig died on 17th June following a long, complex and extremely rare illness. He had been seriously ill since we moved into our new home in Whitley Bay in May 2013 with his beautiful daughter Ayesha, who was 12 at the time.

“Craig was admitted to hospital the next month following rapid weight loss, tiredness and problems with his vision and balance. Although he was home over the summer he was still very poorly. After significant deterioration in October 2013, Craig went on to spend almost 18 months in Intensive Care undergoing many treatments for an extremely rare response to cancer called Paraneoplastic Neurological Disorder.

Craig Malcolm with daughter Ayesha and Alison

“It took a number of months to get a diagnosis because of how rare this disease is, with only 38 other people in the world reported to have had the same antibody in their blood which identifies the illness.

“Although chemotherapy destroyed the cancer, the autoimmune response left Craig ventilator dependent and unable to move most of his body. He had a short spell in neurological rehab but ultimately his body could not take any more and his life was cut tragically short.

“We had no idea something like this could happen because of cancer. Craig was previously so active, fit and well- working full time, running a few times a week and spending time with me, my stepdaughter Ayesha and our family and friends here and in Scotland where he was from.

“Craig’s relentless energy, enthusiasm and commitment in his personal and professional life touched so many people. His belief in fairness and a better world will always encourage those of us who were lucky enough to be close to him to be the best we can be. He was a brilliant, loving, inspiring partner and he meant the world to me.

“Craig was also very much loved by my family who supported us both through all this, and I’m very proud to say my Mam is doing her first Great North Run this year too.

“We’re doing this for Craig, for those we know who have survived cancer and in memory of others loved by us, our friends and family who we have sadly lost to this horrible disease.”

Alison and her Dad, Malcolm, chatting with Sir Bobby’s son, Mark, at the end of the run